Nature Program Specialist

Careers by E****mpowering Futures, Building Communities

Imagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and communities. As a global movement and the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers more than just a job—we offer a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community. At the Y, you can uncover your passion and build a lifelong career addressing some of the nation's most pressing social issues.

Our Organizational Culture

At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, we are committed to demonstrating values that aim to building strong communities where you can Be, Belong and Become. With Truth & Courage, we strive to understand and act on individual and societal truths. We ensure a safe and inclusive environment with Authenticity & Accessibility, allowing everyone to participate according to their needs. Our approach is Dependable & Creative, as we respond to community needs through strong partnerships. Above all, we embody Dignity & Empathy, treating everyone with respect and compassion, and recognizing the inherent dignity in all individuals.

Position Summary

Under the direction and supervision of the Director, the Program Specialist is responsible for teaching and maintaining the safety of students, campers, Active Older Adults participants while exploring themes of environment, history, community, climate justice, and wellness. The Program Specialist develops environmentally based curriculum that emphasizes environmental and cooperative outdoor activities for students in grades K-12 as well as Active Older Adults participants, from a variety of socio-economic, cultural, geographic and educational backgrounds. The position requires the physical ability to participate in strenuous activities and the knowledge and skill to lead and educate while making learning fun, and to work across a variety of YMCA of San Francisco nature engagement programs, including Y Rangers, STEAM-based environmental education afterschool programs, Nature EdVenture, Family Camp, toddler-age programming, Community Day in Nature, Active and Older Adults programs and community garden projects.

The Program Specialist will leverage their experience and background to work independently with program directors, youth, and their families in the communities we serve. This includes, but is not limited to, outreach to teachers and families, principals, and parents; preparation and organization of lesson plans and materials; leading programs; maintenance of community gardens; maintaining accurate records for grant reporting purposes; curriculum creation and review; and mentoring of site-specific, YSF youth development staff.

The schedule is determined by program needs, including some nights and weekends.

Job Responsibilities

Program Development & Delivery

• Develop, plan, and lead environmental, outdoor, team-building, and wellness activities for diverse populations.

• Facilitate nature-engagement programs for youth and their families.

• Create and implement curriculum aligned with YMCA goals, educational standards, departmental expectations, and participant needs.

• Maintain departmental documents and curriculum databases.

• Mentor youth development staff in nature engagement strategies through collaboration, observation, and coaching.

Community Engagement & Advocacy

• Communicate the mission, programs, and services of the YMCA and Presidio Community YMCA to participants and the public.

Administration & Operations

• Support environmental education and climate justice department administrative functions.

• Maintain program supplies and complete housekeeping and coordination responsibilities.

• Track participation and satisfaction metrics required by grants.

• Conduct program evaluations and recommend improvements based on community needs and interests.

Compliance, Safety & Risk Management

• Adhere to YMCA, Presidio Community YMCA, and National Park Service policies, procedures, safety requirements, mandated reporting, and risk management standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 21 years old

• A minimum of 16 units of education in natural sciences, recreation, or related field.

• Knowledge in at least some of the following areas: general ecological concepts, natural and cultural history, geology, team building, storytelling, social and environmental health.

• Experience working with toddlers, youth, teens, families and adults.

• Experience developing curriculum, lesson plans, or educational programming.

• Experience using effective teaching techniques with students in grades K-12

• YMCA approved First Aid, CPR, and AED certificates required within 30 days of hire.

• Strong verbal & written communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people and to work collaboratively as part of a team.

• Ability to remain calm in challenging situations

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish, Mandarin, and/or Cantonese.

• Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder

Work Environment

This position works in both outdoor and indoor settings. The employee regularly leads environmental education, wellness, and nature-based programs in parks, trails, recreational facilities, classrooms, and community spaces. Work may be performed in varying weather conditions and includes frequent interaction with children, families, older adults, staff, volunteers, and community partners. Administrative duties such as program planning, curriculum development, data tracking, and reporting are completed in an office environment. Some evening and weekend work may be required.

Physical Demands

This position requires frequent standing, walking, and active participation in outdoor activities. The employee must be able to hike on uneven terrain, bend, stoop, kneel, and reach while leading programs and supervising participants. The role also requires lifting and carrying program supplies and equipment, typically up to 25 pounds. Employees must be able to respond quickly in emergency situations, maintain awareness of participant safety, and use computers and other office equipment for administrative tasks.

Disclaimers

• Must successfully complete a background screening, including criminal and employment verification. Some positions may also require a credit check.

• All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA of Greater San Francisco promotes an equal employment opportunity workplace, which includes reasonable accommodation for otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please contact your manager if you have any questions about this policy or these job duties.

• This job description may not be all-inclusive, and employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified by management as needed.

• Job offers are conditional and contingent upon background clearance. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and CA Fair Chance Act, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.

Salary Description

The Nature Program Specialist position offers a compensation range of $25.00-$27.50 an hour. This rate is based on salary benchmarking for similar roles and is aligned with participating grant fund approvals and requirements for the position.